Monday, April 25, 2016

Spring Time

Spring in New York

Spingtime -- hope, rebirth, celadon (lots of celadon), and renewal of promise -- for me, it's indisputably the most attractive time of year. It makes me appreciate living in a climate with seasonal shifts, in a place where life is enchanting and dramatic.

Glorious Helleborus, now in full bloom around these parts. The pale white and celadon combination -- my favorite!

My mother, who retired to Florida some years ago, mentioned to me last week that she is not coming up north this summer. Instead, she is traveling up this fall. The seasons don't change much in her area, and she really misses the deciduous autumnal beauty. There is something to be said for that, about appreciating climates that change, especially when living in an area that is fairly consistent. As spring's seasonal flourishes continue to impress me, I am thankful to be able to experience it every year, and even ponder if I could ever do without its annual pleasing beauty.

The tulip field in Prospect Park Brooklyn, yesterday.

I welcome, appreciate and anticipate the change of season here in New York. I find myself cheerful, eager and excited, as well as a little anxious, and a little stressed. Here is the cheerful part:
the once bare cherry trees are now thick clouds of pink and white, the tulips, daffodils and scilla are all popping open with glory, and even the green leaves of the lillies and hydrangea are whispering suggestions of what's to come.

The stressful part: the serious, back-breaking business of getting the garden together, pulling out the outdoor furniture, reorganizing the winter closets, and changing out the heavier decorative fabrics for fresher, lighter, cheerful versions. Oh, and of course, there's the allergies. I am stocking up on salt water nasal spray as we speak, a proven prophylactic measure to avoid the fatigue that comes with taking antihistamines.

So, attempting to get ahead of the stressful aspects of spring, this week the bed clothes are being changed from winter (above) to summer (below)...

...and all my French

BLUE toned items came out of the closets (and the shed)...

...and up came the outdoor furniture...

...all in preparation for:

As you get ready to host your spring garden party or beach side soiree, here is a simple, stress-free, yet delicious hor d'oeuvre you should consider making-- it's perfect for passing...

Tuna Endive Appetizer

1 jar of Italian or Spanish tuna fillets (preferably in olive oil)

4-5 sun dried tomatoes (also packed in olive oil)

2-3 radishes

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

1 lemon

2 tablespoons of olive oil

3-4 scallions

fresh parsley

dash of dried oregano

salt/pepper

and,

1-2 heads of endive and/or fennel

Slice the radish into very thin strips, dice both the sun dried tomatoes and scallions. In medium sized bowl, mix these ingredients with the olive oil, vinegar, parsley, oregano and salt/pepper. If making ahead, this portion can be refrigerated.

Since I prefer that the tuna be served at room temperature, I do not add the tuna fillets until I am ready to serve. When folding tuna into other ingredients, use a fork. Spoon a healthy portion onto each leaf of endive or fennel: